The Arrow of Time and Boundary Conditions in the Universe in the Context of Science and Theology

Author(s):  
Alexei Vsevolodovich Nesteruk
Author(s):  
Donald C. Williams

This chapter is about the arrow or direction of time against the backdrop of the pure manifold theory. It is accepted that the fact that time has a direction ought to be explained. It is proposed that the arrow of time is grounded in deeper facts about the four-dimensional nature of each object in the manifold and in facts about the overall four-dimensional shape of the universe. Towards the end of the chapter the possibility of time travel is discussed. It is argued that time travel is metaphysically possible and that there is a reasonable and intelligible sense in which a time traveler can and cannot change the past, according to the pure manifold theory.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
David Garofalo

While the basic laws of physics seem time-reversal invariant, our understanding of the apparent irreversibility of the macroscopic world is well grounded in the notion of entropy. Because astrophysics deals with the largest structures in the Universe, one expects evidence there for the most pronounced entropic arrow of time. However, in recent theoretical astrophysics work it appears possible to identify constructs with time-reversal symmetry, which is puzzling in the large-scale realm especially because it involves the engines of powerful outflows in active galactic nuclei which deal with macroscopic constituents such as accretion disks, magnetic fields, and black holes. Nonetheless, the underlying theoretical structure from which this accreting black hole framework emerges displays a time-symmetric harmonic behavior, a feature reminiscent of basic and simple laws of physics. While we may expect such behavior for classical black holes due to their simplicity, manifestations of such symmetry on the scale of galaxies, instead, surprise. In fact, we identify a parallel between the astrophysical tug-of-war between accretion disks and jets in this model and the time symmetry-breaking of a simple overdamped harmonic oscillator. The validity of these theoretical ideas in combination with this unexpected parallel suggests that black holes are more influential in astrophysics than currently recognized and that black hole astrophysics is a more fundamental discipline.


2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2449-2453
Author(s):  
KORAY KARACA ◽  
SELÇUK BAYIN

Assuming that higher dimensions existed in the early stages of the universe where the evolution was inflationary, we construct an open, singularity-free, spatially homogeneous and isotropic cosmological model to study the effects of dimensional reduction that may have taken place during the early stages of the universe. We consider dimensional reduction to take place in a stepwise manner and interpret each step as a phase transition. By imposing suitable boundary conditions we trace their effects on the present day parameters of the universe.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (05) ◽  
pp. 1450043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iñaki Garay ◽  
Salvador Robles-Pérez

We consider a multiverse scenario made up of classically disconnected regions of the spacetime that are, nevertheless, in a quantum entangled state. The addition of a scalar field enriches the model and allows us to treat both the inflationary and the "oscillatory stage" of the universe on the same basis. Imposing suitable boundary conditions on the state of the multiverse, two different representations are constructed related by a Bogoliubov transformation. We compute the thermodynamic magnitudes of the entanglement, such as entropy and energy, explore the effects introduced by the presence of the scalar field and compare with previous results in the absence of scalar field.


Author(s):  
Ion Marian CROITORU ◽  

Although scientific research is in full bloom regarding, for instance, the environment, the fact of creation cannot be ignored either, even if some scientists deny it, while others ascertain it, albeit from perspectives, however, foreign to the patristic vision specific of the Orthodoxy. Consequently, the limits of cosmology are structured as well by Christian theology, which shows that the study of the world, guided by laws of physics in a limited framework, is carried out inside the creation affected by the consequences of the primordial sin, so that the reality of the world before sin is known only to those who reach spiritual perfection and holiness, therefore, from an eschatological perspective, since they, too, go through the moment of separation of the soul from the body, waiting for the general resurrection. Therefore, a new way of being is affirmed in the Orthodox Church, by the personal experience of each believer, which is a transformation on the personal and cosmic level, according to Jesus Christ’s resurrected body, which means the reality of a new physics, which concerns both the beginning of the universe, but also its new dimension, at the Lord’s Second Coming, when heaven and earth will be renewed by transfiguration. Regarding the existence of the universe, the differences are given by the perceptions of two cosmologies. Thus, the theonomous cosmology highlights man’s purpose on earth, the necessity of moral and spiritual life, and the transfiguration of creation, explaining God’s presence in His creation, but also His work in it, namely the transcendence and the immanence in relation to the creation. The autonomous cosmology engenders the evolutionist theory, which leads to secularism and, consequently, to the gap between the contemporary man’s technological progress, and his spiritual and moral regress. Today, more scientists are turning their attention also to the data of the divine Revelation, the way it makes itself known by its organs, the Holy Scripture and the Holy Tradition, in the one Church, which will mean a deepening of the dialogue between science and theology in favour of the man from everywhere and from the times to come.


Lumen et Vita ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Brodrick

One of the challenges facing contemporary theologians has been an increasingly perceived rift between the disciplines of theology and scientific cosmology.  A common narrative maintains that the incompatibility of these disciplines is a result of the rise of modern science during which the doctrinal claims of theology as they relate to our understanding of the universe as a whole were disproven.  Within this narrative framework, theology is reduced to issues of human experience and moral life.  In contrast to this myth, this paper establishes the claim that the perceived rift between theology and cosmology is not merely due to the advances of modern science but also to particular philosophical and theological developments in the realms of epistemology and the social imaginary.  Furthermore, the author suggests that these sources of the exclusion of cosmology from theological discourse indicate a need for the development of an Irenaean cosmological framework in which the Eucharistic tension between the simultaneous presence and absence of Christ is upheld.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Yahya Afandi

This article examines: is science and theology so wide apart from each other; is the suffering of bible scholars who have a "second class" status in academic conversation impossible to end? The advancement of science which should illuminate the theological-biblical notions which are textually unexplainable in scientific detail has in fact created such a sharp split point. The idea of Intelligent design: irreducible complexity promoted by Michael J. Behe provides a kind of “theistic interstice" that can be used as a lens to see the existence of an intelligent designer of the universe narrated in Psalms 19: 1-6. The existed complexity, cannot be reduced because the condition itself is threatening the universal system. This article concludes with the identification: if the assumptions of an intelligent designer who refers to God is considered too premature; the framework of an intelligent designer then provides an imaginative space to grapple with the possibility of His involvement in the universe. Abstrak Artikel ini mempertanyakan ulang: Apakah ilmu pengetahuan dan teologi alkitabiah sudah sedemikian jauh terpisah satu sama lain? Apakah penderitaan para sarjana kitab suci yang diklaim berstasus “kelas dua” dalam percakapan akademik mustahil diakhiri? Kemajuan ilmu pengetahuan yang semestinya menerangi terminologi teologis-alkitabiah, yang barangkali memang secara tekstual tidak dijelaskan secara detail-ilmiah khususnya isu kosmologi dan kosmogoni, nyatanya justru telah menciptakan titik pisah yang begitu tajam. Gagasan kosmologi Intelligent design: irreducible complexity yang diusung oleh Michael J. Behe memberi semacam “celah teistik” yang dapat dipergunakan sebagai lensa untuk melihat kemungkinan keberadaan Sang Perancang Cerdas semesta raya dalam narasi Mazmur 19:1-6. Kerumitan yang ada, tidak dapat dikurangi, tidak boleh tidak ada. Mengingat situasi tersebut justru berpeluang mengancam sistem semesta. Artikel ini diakhiri dengan identifikasi, bahwa jika dugaan perancang cerdas yang merujuk kepada keberadaan Tuhan dinilai terlalu prematur, maka pemikiran intelligent designer menyediakan ruang imajinatif-intelektual untuk menggumuli kemungkinan keberadaan dan keterlibatan-Nya atas semesta.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Vázquez-Báez ◽  
C. Ramírez

We study the quantum cosmology of a quadratic fR theory with a FRW metric, via one of its equivalent Horndeski type actions, where the dynamic of the scalar field is induced. The classical equations of motion and the Wheeler-DeWitt equation, in their exact versions, are solved numerically. There is a free parameter in the action from which two cases follow: inflation + exit and inflation alone. The numerical solution of the Wheeler-DeWitt equation depends strongly on the boundary conditions, which can be chosen so that the resulting wave function of the universe is normalizable and consistent with Hermitian operators.


DIALOGO ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 233-251
Author(s):  
Andreas May

"A synthesis of research results of modern natural sciences and fundamental statements of the Christian faith is attempted. The creation of the universe is addressed. Four important events in the history of the Earth as well as the diversity of living beings are shortly discussed. There are good reasons to believe that the universe was created by a transcendent superior being, which we call God, and that this superior being intervened in evolution and Earth history to promote the development of intelligent life. Furthermore, it can be concluded that intelligent life is very rare in the universe. This is the explanation for the “Fermi paradox”. Intelligent life on planet Earth has cosmic significance. The overabundance of this universe inspires the hope for participating in the fulfilled eternity of the Creator in transcendence. Prehistoric humans had long had hope for life after biological death. While scientific speculation about the end of the universe prophesies scenarios of destruction, the Christian faith says that humanity is destined to be united with Jesus Christ. Furthermore, all evolution will be completed with the Creator in transcendence. Then the whole of creation will “obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God”. From the first primitive living cell, an abundance of the most diverse living beings has evolved. Comparably, humanity has differentiated into a plethora of different cultures. This entire abundance will find its unification and fulfilment in transcendence with the Creator of the universe, without its diversity being erased."


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